Dermot Bolger will use the Award to commence an autobiographical poem sequence exploring the social changes in Irish society that have occurred during the author’s lifetime. This will be worked on during periods of intensive writing spent in locations abroad as well as in Ireland. The Award will also enable the writer to buy time to revise and complete his Selected Short Stories to be published in book form in late 2020.

The award is made in memory of poet, writer and Saoi of Aosdána Anthony Cronin and is worth €13,000 which includes €3,000 for international travel.